Sierra Rose Mosher

How would you describe your college experience?When I began my college career I had high hopes of becoming a forensic scientist,
just as you see on the CSI TV shows but I was under the impression of the “CSI Effect”
where my vision was skewed by the portrayal of the shows and I was not prepared for
reality. I had high ACT scores in my science and math portions, which opened the door
for me to simultaneously take higher level of biology and chemistry my freshman year
here at MTSU. The small town I grew up in was not heavily focused in STEM and that
led to some challenges for me in these areas my first year of college. After making
my first ever and only “C” grade in both biology and chemistry I reevaluated my future
path because I felt that my strength was not in these types of sciences.

Nonetheless, I found my loophole! I switched my major to criminal justice where I
was able to expand my horizons and ultimately study forensic science through the law
enforcement investigation side and develop a newfound passion for forensic anthropology.
Through this newly evolved passion I was able to join an elite 10 person student team
led by Board Certified Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Hugh Berryman. The team’s purpose
was to assist law enforcement agencies in the recovery and documentation of skeletal
remains from crime scenes.

Being a part of the Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery (FASR) team was one
of my most amazing experiences of my college career; right alongside my fondest memories
with being a member of the WISTEM Center. Luckily for myself my involvement with WISTEM
and the Forensic Institute for Research and Education (F.I.R.E.) overlapped with one
another. During my years involved in both WISTEM and F.I.R.E led me to meet remarkable
people in the STEM world.

After battling tough courses and working 3 jobs while simultaneously taking over 15
credit hours each semester, I accomplished my 4 year goal to complete my bachelors
of science directly after high school. I knew that through my amazing experience of
college, I would always have a phenomenal support team. Walking across the stage in
Murphy Center as Cum Laude with members of WISTEM, FASR, F.I.R.E, and my family cheering me on gave me the confidence I needed for my future.

When did you know that you wanted to major in a STEM discipline?As long as I can remember I had always wanted to help people. At a young age my Nana
Polly had her leg amputated, so I became a helpful nurse to her. For a while I had
thought of becoming a nurse, but it wasn’t meant for me. Our activities of course
were limited so we would watch CSI for most of our evenings together. I loved watching
the crime shows with her and she said that she believed I could do it and excel at
it. It was at this moment in my life when I knew I wanted to uncover the truth behind
brutal crimes. Their skeletons and crime scenes still told stories and I knew I needed
to be the one to listen. I needed to give back the voice that was taken away from
them.

What is the most rewarding aspect that you do in your job as a STEM professional?Currently, I am opening more doors to my future as a professional. I am in the process
of making a decision to further my education to obtain my masters, attend law school
in Florida, venture into death scene investigation training, or wait for the next
enrollment of the police academy to begin my career as a homicide investigator. With
all the options laid out ahead of me I can think of endless rewards that await me.
I knew this path would be a very worthwhile career and I would constantly be able
to utilize advancing techniques and technologies. The best thing about discovering
evidence and recreating crime scenes is that it takes many aspects of STEM to accomplish
it. If throughout my future career I can help prove the validity of crimes, all the
years of studying and working would become my greatest reward.

What would you tell a middle or high school girl about careers in STEM?First off I would say, “Don’t let the word STEM scare you!” Many who see the word
“STEM” automatically assume you’re a biochemist astronaut (joking) and that not everyone
is meant to achieve in STEM, but that’s so false. Unfortunately, I was not aware of
the vast career paths available to those intrigued in STEM occupations during high
school. The opportunities of STEM jobs are limitless. Whether you’re creating new
robotics, designing a new website, measuring blood spatter velocity, determining stature
from a femur, or even developing new makeup products STEM can be everywhere.

What should middle and high school girls be doing to prepare themselves for college
and a STEM career?Dedication and determination are two words I would tell young girls to keep in their
heart as they prepare for college. College is not easy and STEM careers take many
hours of dedicating what could be fun time to study time. They have to be determined
to excel in their future. Take the chance on taking a dual enrollment course during
high school to try the entry level course of something that may interest them. This
path allows them the opportunity to begin the foundation for success for college.

What advice do you have for teachers and counselors who are assisting students prepare
for a STEM major and career?I would advise teachers and counselors to serve as positive role models for students.
Show that they believe in their students’ possibility of success. Suggest that they
take an extra math or science class instead of something that is not applicable to
future uses. Also, give the student the chance to enroll in dual enrollment college
courses in math, science, and the entry level courses for paths that could interest
them in STEM. By taking just one science course during high school could lessen the
academic load they will carry while they are in college.

What career advice would you give to girls if you only have two minutes?They must find something they are truly passionate about and research all the possibilities
that could be associated with it. There’s a saying, “If you love your job, then you’ll
never work a day in life.” If you are one of the lucky ones to find your passion,
pursue it at all costs.

You are the captain of your ship as you sail through life. Embrace the weather and use it to your advantage always.

News

21st MTSU EYH Conference 2017Registration is now open!The conference has been rescheduled for February 10, 2018.

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